A message from Tony:

A Message From Tony:

It's Time To Make Change

We can wait for change. We can hope for change. Or we can make change.

As a California Assemblyman, I'll be a strong advocate for social policies that improve the quality of life for people in our district. Building on 15 years of public service, social work, education, and community improvement experience, I know how to build consensus. I know how to fight for change.

Because I love public service, I would be honored to serve the diverse people of the 14th Assembly District. It will be a hard race but I've overcome many challenges in my life.

I am a candidate for State Assembly because I'm ready to make change. With the help of good people like you I know that together we can strengthen our communities and improve the quality of government in Sacramento.

 

Tony's Biography:

Tony has over 15 years of experience working on youth and non-profit causes, and currently serve as the Executive Director of Beyond Emancipation, an Alameda County based non-profit that helps former foster youth transition into living independently. Tony was appointed to the Richmond City Council in July 2005, and was elected to a two-year term in November 2006. He served as Council Liaison to Richmond's Youth Commission and Workforce Investment Board and am the Council Liaison to the West Contra Costa Unified School District. Tony is also a member of the California League of Cities Environmental Policy Committee, the West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee and last year, was a Fellow in the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Children and Family Fellowship program.

Tony has been active in a variety of areas, much of it focused on improving education, job training and job opportunities for youth and low-skilled adults, reducing crime and improving public safety and promoting sustainable growth. Here are some of Tony's accomplishments as a Councilmember and non-profit leader:

  • Restored Richmond summer youth employment program -- the program had been defunct for five years due to funding shortages. Tony worked with our business community to raise over $300,000 to support the creation of 300 jobs for youth
  • Supported establishing Richmond as a "Green Zone" for economic development
  • Established a technical assistance training program to aid minority and women business contractors
  • Established a workforce housing program to support teacher and police officer recruitment
  • Developed a construction job training program for low skilled adults in Richmond
  • Passed legislation to support comprehensive neighborhood revitalization in Richmond
  • Supported the development of the Gilman Street regional sports park in Berkeley
  • Convened elected officials summit to explore restoring the "I-80" Public Safety Corridor Partnership
  • Supported the development of the Richmond Office of Violence Prevention/Neighborhood Safety
  • Created and chaired a task force to suppress gang and gun violence in Richmond
  • Developed a volunteer led graffiti abatement program that included a youth diversion program
  • Raised more than $1 million dollars to support emancipated foster youth in Alameda County
  • Developed 2 transitional houses for emancipated foster youth in Alameda County
  • Allocated nearly $1 million in funding to support child abuse prevention efforts in contra Costa County
  • Led after school and college preparation efforts for 300 West Oakland students
  • Developed a paid internship program to help keep Richmond High School students in school
  • Developed a campaign that connected 1000 San Francisco youth to mentors and recreation services
  • Oversaw a health center for foster and emancipated youth in Alameda County
  • Supported City of Richmond efforts to promote sustainability and lower greenhouse gases
  • Supported City of Richmond ban on Styrofoam